Real People. Real Life. Real Bodies.
This is a difficult concept for me.
I grew up in a house where my mom (who is my rock) sacrificed for everyone. She is a mother to 4 children who worked 6 days a week. As an adult looking back on things, this had to be difficult. My parents seperated when I was 12 so she was on her own a lot. She made sure we all got to practices, doctor appointments, school activities. While we did not have a lot, we never wanted for anything.
She taught me so much about loving and caring for others. She taught me how to become the best mother and wife I could be. She showed complete selflessness and devotion. What I never saw was how she took care of herself because she was always so busy taking care of others.
As an adult I have had to overcome thinking that if I take time for myself, its ok. Its not selfish. I had to learn that this is such an important aspect of my life. If I am negelecting myself, which often times we do, I can't give my family and business the care they need or deserve because I am running on empty.
I thought with Valentines Day tomorrow, this was the perfect time remind you to take some time to take care of YOU! Don't wait for someone to validate that it's ok. As I read somewhere (probably Pinterest 🤪) "You can't pour from an empty cup. Take care of yourelf first." ❤️
Here are some ideas on what I love to do to unwind and "fill up my cup"!
Besides the physical aspect, exercise is important for your mental health!
Exercise can improve your mood, stress, sleep, depression and anxiety!
This doesn't mean you have to go crazy at the gym every.single.day... But if that's your jam, go for it! Because of my schedule I tend to workout at home. I obviously use Gladiator Gym Gear equipment and love resistance band training because I don't have to have a ton of bulky equipment laying around. If you haven't checked out the Limited Editon set (2 full body bands and a glute band!) that is only available until tomorrow!! Check it out HERE!
Edit: The Madi Wilson set is no longer available BUT you can still get our full body workout bands HERE and our glute bands HERE
After a long day, unwinding in a warm bath can be just what you need to let the tension go! Studies have shown that baths can elevate your mood, help sleep better, relieve muscle pain or tension, burn calories (if your bath is hot!), and help with congestion.
Adding essential oils to bath salts may increase benefits! Essential Oils have been a hot topic over the past few years. Some whole heartedly believe while others...not so much. If you are a believer, then you are gonna feel me on this! I do use aroma therapy while relaxing in a bath by making batches of either espon salt, dead sea salt, coconut oil (great for moisturizing skin!) & Essential Oils. There are so many different combos you could use but my favorite is Lavendar and Ylang Ylang. Lavendar is believed to ease feelings of tension and can sooth skin irritations while Ylang Ylang lessens teinsion, pressure and promotes a positive outlook.
*Always check with your physician to make sure aroma therapy is safe for you!
While I am not a Dear Diary type of journal-er (Is that a word?), I do feel so much better when I get out my feelings. I am drawn to writing prompt journals becasue it gives me a starting place to write.
My favorite writing prompt journal to date is Zen as F*ck.
This journal doesn't give you a ton of space to write, but with my schedule I may only have a few mins to sit down so this is the perfect type of journal for me. I got my copy on HERE
While I am not a Dear Diary type of journal-er (Is that a word?), I do feel so much better when I get out my feelings. I am drawn to writing prompt journals becasue it gives me a starting place to write.
My favorite writing prompt journal to date is Zen as F*ck.
This journal doesn't give you a ton of space to write, but with my schedule I may only have a few mins to sit down so this is the perfect type of journal for me. I got my copy on HERE
I have always loved to learn new things. I used to scrapbook, draw, create digital designs, I even taught myself to sew. When my son was little we got to share in our love for creatativity. We used to draw, color, paint, play with playdough, build lego creations (we were "master builders" as it says in the movie)...we were big into arts and crafts! You name it - we did it! My husband couldn't grasp how I could sit for hours doing these things and have fun, be peaceful and just enjoying life. To me, being creative is cathartic. Spending time with my son doing these we both enjoyed was also such a source of joy and peace. He is now 13. Video games and friends entertains most of his time. He does still occasionally ask me to draw with him (he is way more talented then me!) and while we do this, we talk. Like real talk about what is going on in his life, his friends, his feelings. While this may not be everyone's idea of self care, this brings me joy and peace in my life so its my self care.
I love to read. I have always loved reading ever since I was a little kid. While I don't have time to read as much as I would like to, it is a source of relaxation for me.
Reading has so many benefits for mental well being. Studies have shown that staying mentally stimulated can slow down the progression of Alzheimers or Dementia! Like any other muscle in your body, you need to exercise your brain to keep it strong.
Self Care and Self Love will look different for everyone. These are just some things that help me relax and unwind. I want to be the best version of me possible for my family, my business, and myself.